Bilstein P14 Kit Fitted - Thanks PCS

[whitenemesis]

Spent the morning with Olly (BlackC55) having my Bilstein P14 suspension kit fitted. A remarkable amount of work needed to swap all four corners. Olly worked 5hrs solid getting everything spot on.

Ride height lowered approx 20mm all round, Bilstein recommend 50mm from stock but mine already lower (with Sports Pack). Seems a shame to hide the shiny s/steel struts and blue coils under the arches!

With my summer wheels/tyres fitted I drove from Olly's to WIM, about 80 miles along the A3, M25 and M40 and WOW what a difference! The ride is firm but no way harsh. The coil-overs control the rebound so much better than the stock MB Sports set-up. Dips and camber changes don't unsettle it at all. Corners are completely flat, no more mid-corner 'tip' experienced with the Sports kit.

It'll take a few 100 miles for it all to settle in, I think I'm going to enjoy the journey! :bannana:

BIG thanks Olly, top man!!

 

[H1mike]

Suspension change for CLK 500 - any tips

Hi,
I read this post with interest.
I have recently switched from more of a "sports" car - from another German manufacturers - to driving my wife's CLK 500 Convertible (2004).

Obviously MB does not make the CLK for the same hard driving as a sports coupe but I feel that the ride is very soft.

I have been considering investing in some modifications and a "harder" suspension was my first thought.

Do any members have advice on what kit to install. The car has to be "soft" enough for my wife not to notice a big diffference in ride quality but also good enough to corner well when carrying a bit more speed into the corners.

I do not intend to fit new wheels and do not want the car to look visibly different (not too much lower).

It is a low mielage example (only 27k miles from new) and is mainly used for low speed city driving. However, we both find it a bit "disconnected" from the road. While the MB set-up on a CLK convertible is obviously not meant for track days, it would be nice to feel a little more solid on the road.

All suggestions for suspension (or power steering?) adjustments greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Mike

 

[d w124]

Hi Mike and welcome to the forum,speak to Olly (blackc55) member here who can recomend you the best kit

 

[d w124]

Here http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/memb...r-service-mercedes-specialist-portsmouth.html

 

[whitenemesis]

Hi Mike, welcome. I'm with d w124, give Olly a call for good advice on suspension mods. It may be you could go for MB's AMG set-up (is the CLK an Elegance model?) But I would say there is no way your wife wont notice the difference!

 

[BillyW124]

Hi Mike, welcome. I'm with d w124, give Olly a call for good advice on suspension mods. It may be you could go for MB's AMG set-up (is the CLK an Elegance model?) But I would say there is no way your wife wont notice the difference!

she will when the bill arrives or see's the missing monies!

 

[whitenemesis]

Update!

Just back from a blast round my favourite test route. Roads dry but with a film of salt, approx 5c.

Last nights initial impressions have been well and truly confirmed These Bilsteins have transformed the handling. On corners with bumps or camber changes mid way round the old system would 'lift' the car, especially the rear as the shocks reacted to the extra compression. Now the change is adsorbed and slowly released, allowing the car to track precisely as intended.

Turn-in is tightened even further, no off-side dip. The power (yes, ok, it's only a 270 oil burner but still torquey!) put down on the exit if fantastic. The car no longer squats and tries to lift the near-side wheel.

Crests and dips in the road are similarly well controlled. The car seems to remain low and tight over high speed crests. The old system would tend to float the car. I'm sure the rebound settings were far too aggressive.

The one downside so far is not related to the new suspension but my summer tyres, Falken 452, really noisy The sooner I can wear 'em out the better

 

[tagnut]

The one downside so far is not related to the new suspension but my summer tyres, Falken 452, really noisy The sooner I can wear 'em out the better

Shouldn't take too long if you keep driving the way you did this morning

 

[whitenemesis]

Ride Heights, Before and After

Before

After

 

[harry_dhuga]

I think you should slam it some more...!!! LOL

Looks good - congrats.

 

[BaldGuy]

That looks awesome....

 

[newt888]

Yea that looks good I have a c32 estate in silver so looks the same and I'm fitting my coil overs this weekend , I'm gonna go a tad lower though

 

[BlackC55]

If you need any help fitting them give me a PM or a call. They dont come with any instructions at all.

Do you have the special tools for the front springs?

Good luck and you will love the ride and handling!

 

[BlackC55]

Just back from a blast round my favourite test route. Roads dry but with a film of salt, approx 5c.

Last nights initial impressions have been well and truly confirmed These Bilsteins have transformed the handling. On corners with bumps or camber changes mid way round the old system would 'lift' the car, especially the rear as the shocks reacted to the extra compression. Now the change is adsorbed and slowly released, allowing the car to track precisely as intended.

Turn-in is tightened even further, no off-side dip. The power (yes, ok, it's only a 270 oil burner but still torquey!) put down on the exit if fantastic. The car no longer squats and tries to lift the near-side wheel.

Crests and dips in the road are similarly well controlled. The car seems to remain low and tight over high speed crests. The old system would tend to float the car. I'm sure the rebound settings were far too aggressive.

The one downside so far is not related to the new suspension but my summer tyres, Falken 452, really noisy The sooner I can wear 'em out the better

I am so pleased you like them. I was a little worried that you wouldn't.

Give the car some real stick in the corners when you get the new rubber. The grip is amazing.

 

[whitenemesis]

I am so pleased you like them. I was a little worried that you wouldn't.

Give the car some real stick in the corners when you get the new rubber. The grip is amazing.

Last time I went this fast through corners I was wearing a 5 point harness!

I really can't believe how these coil-overs control the car, really firm but no hint of harshness. Brilliant :bannana:

 

[BlackC55]

They are worth every penny!

I am so so pleased. It is always a risk when fitting new uprated suspension parts that they are going to be to the customers liking.

 

[gunning]

coilovers are litterally the best performance upgrade you can ever make to a car. I too couldnt believe how good they actually were. Cars looking stunning pal

 

[Alfie]

Soon it will be complete with DAB

 

[Doodle]

Quality coilovers are litterally the best performance upgrade you can ever make to a car.

Fixed it for you

 

[DRBC43AMG]

So, as a W202 and C43 can't be fitted with coil overs, what is the best suspension upgrade without going overboard??